Design Manager - Menswear / Kidswear

As a Design Manager at The Very Group, you will oversee the design direction for menswear and kidswear, manage a team of designers, and ensure that collections align with the overall brand strategy. Your role will include producing innovative ranges, identifying market trends, and working closely with buying teams to drive profitability. You'll also handle budget monitoring, product reviews, and collaboration with suppliers to create fashionable and commercially viable designs.

Candidates for the Design Manager role should have previous experience as a Senior Designer or Design Manager, ideally within an own brand team or similar environment. A strong background in menswear is essential, and prior experience in kidswear is preferred. Additionally, proficiency in CAD software, along with a keen eye for trends and the ability to translate ideas into commercial designs, is crucial for success in this role.

The Design Manager plays a significant role in helping The Very Group fulfill its mission of supporting families by creating products that resonate with their needs and preferences. By overseeing design direction and innovating collections, the Design Manager ensures that the products offered are not only stylish but also practical, enhancing the customers' shopping experience while driving business success.

Key skills for a Design Manager in this role include strong leadership abilities to manage and inspire a team, expertise in CAD programs, and the capability to recognize and interpret fashion trends. Good communication and collaboration skills are also vital as you work closely with buying teams and suppliers. Additionally, strong analytical ability will help in understanding market dynamics and customer preferences, ensuring that the designs align with promoting brand growth.

The interview process at The Very Group for the Design Manager - Menswear & Kidswear position consists of two stages. Initially, you will have a 30-minute video interview with the Talent Acquisition Team that explores your experience and portfolio. Following this, if successful, you’ll complete a design project task and present your findings in a one-hour Q&A session that focuses on value-driven competencies. This format allows candidates to showcase their creative abilities while also assessing their fit within the team.

To stay updated on fashion trends, I regularly follow industry reports, participate in trade shows, and engage with fashion influencers. Additionally, I analyze consumer feedback and sales data to understand what resonates with customers. This multifaceted approach ensures that my designs are both trendy and relevant.

Absolutely! In my previous role, I led a team to develop a new menswear collection under tight deadlines. I organized brainstorming sessions, delegated tasks based on each designer's strengths, and maintained open lines of communication, ensuring everyone's ideas were heard. The result was a successful launch that exceeded sales forecasts, highlighting the importance of collaboration in design.

I leverage social media platforms, customer surveys, and focus groups to gather valuable feedback. By analyzing customer responses and engaging directly with our audience, I can refine designs and create products that align with consumer expectations.

I prioritize transparency and tracking in budget management. I regularly review costs associated with materials and production to ensure we stay within budget while maintaining quality. Collaborating closely with the buying team allows us to make informed purchasing decisions that maximize our resources effectively.

My approach begins with identifying current trends in children's fashion and analyzing customer demands. I brainstorm and sketch design ideas, focusing on functionality and comfort for kids. Collaborating with manufacturers is also key to ensuring fabrication aligns with my designs. Finally, I make sure to incorporate playful patterns and colors that appeal to both kids and parents alike.

I always start by deeply understanding the brand's mission and values. By aligning my design concepts with these core principles, I can push innovative ideas that still resonate with The Very Group's ethos. Collaboration with other departments also helps ensure our collective goals are met.

I have extensive experience in sourcing materials, where I evaluate quality, cost, and supplier reliability. Building relationships with vendors allows me to negotiate better deals while ensuring we receive high-quality materials that meet our design specifications.

I regularly use CAD software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. These tools help bring my ideas to life and create detailed design packs for our supply chain. I also utilize project management software to keep design timelines organized.

Certainly! In a previous role, we noticed certain styles were underperforming based on sales data. I quickly organized a review session with my team to analyze customer feedback and adjusted the design accordingly, incorporating more popular colors and patterns. The revised collection saw a significant sales boost, demonstrating the importance of being flexible and responsive to customer demand.

Preparation involves creating comprehensive presentations that explain the inspiration, market research, and how my designs align with business objectives. I also practice addressing potential questions with confidence to ensure a smooth presentation. Engaging storytelling is key to conveying the essence of my designs effectively.